Ep 11. Cooking High

In this episode of Top Chef season 15, the contestants are tasked with cooking for some special guests who are no strangers to food - cannabis enthusiasts. The challenge requires the chefs to create dishes that incorporate cannabis as an ingredient into their dishes. The episode starts with the chefs arriving at their challenge location, which is a cannabis dispensary, where they are greeted by the judges and the special guests. Each chef is given a "budtender" who helps them choose the cannabis strain that will best complement their dish. Some chefs choose to infuse the cannabis directly into their dishes, while others opt to create unique cannabis-based sauces and toppings. As the chefs start cooking, it becomes clear that working with cannabis is a challenging task. The intensity of the taste and aroma of the cannabis has the potential to overpower other flavors in the dish if not used in the right proportion. To add to the challenge, the chefs have a limited time frame within which they need to complete their dishes. Amidst the pressure to cook well and utilize cannabis effectively, some chefs also face additional challenges. For example, Adrienne struggles with the time crunch and the heat of the kitchen, while Chris forgets to add salt to his dish. Once the dishes are prepared, the chefs present them to the judges and the guests. The chefs receive feedback on the quality of their dishes, and the judges evaluate the cannabis integration in each dish based on its flavor profile, aroma, and overall execution. In the end, the judges declare a winner and the bottom two chefs are sent to the elimination round. The bottom two chefs are given a chance to redeem themselves by creating another dish - this time without any cannabis. The judges taste the dishes and make a decision on who gets to stay and who is sent home. Overall, this episode of Top Chef season 15 is a unique experience for both the contestants and the viewers. Watching the chefs experiment with cannabis and create dishes that incorporate it in innovative ways is exciting. At the same time, it highlights the challenges of working with such a strong ingredient, making it a must-watch for foodies and cannabis enthusiasts alike.